10 Things to do in Los Angeles That You Shouldn't Miss

September 22, 2021 Renato Branum

Hollywood beckons to tourists who long for a brush with Tinseltown glamor. Tour movie studios, slip your hands into the famous prints at the TCL Chinese Theatre, or indulge in a celeb sighting at one of LA’s white-hot nightspots. Spot your favorite star while shopping at The Grove, or forget all about the famous eye candy as you take in the iconic artwork at The Getty Center. For a different type of star-gazing, peek through the telescopes at the Griffith Observatory.
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1. The Getty Center

1200 Getty Center Dr N Sepulveda Blvd & Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049-1657 +1 310-440-7300 [email protected] http://www.getty.edu/visit/center
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14,503 reviews

The Getty Center

Spectacular museum boasts a most impressive collection by such luminaries as Van Gogh, Monet and Cezanne, along with the architectural triumph of its six buildings and gardens.

Reviewed By msmyka - Boca Raton, United States

This is an excellent museum that is easily conquered you can see a great variety self touring in 2 hrs or spend the whole day if you like - great art, views, sculptures and Louis XIV collection you feel transported to Versailles! Must do!!!!!!

2. Universal Studios Hollywood

100 Universal City Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 91608-1002 +1 800-864-8377 http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/
Excellent
61%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 36,488 reviews

Universal Studios Hollywood

Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood experience! Find a full day of action-packed entertainment all in one place: thrilling theme park rides and shows, a real working movie studio, and Los Angeles’ best shops, restaurants and cinemas at CityWalk. Universal Studios Hollywood is a unique experience that’s fun for the whole family. Explore Universal Studios backlot on the legendary Studio Tour. Then face the action head on in heart-pounding rides, shows and attractions that put you inside some of the world’s biggest movies. End your day with the energy and excitement of Universal CityWalk. All this and much more. Only at Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A.

Reviewed By Jazzyjeff041 - Clacton-on-Sea, United Kingdom

We visited and stayed at Disneyland Anaheim at the Clarion, we used a private transport company from our hotel to Universal which costed us at the time $120 each way (the company was Newman’s and the driver friendly and the vehicle immaculate) well worth the money if you want to travel in style and stress free. We could not fault Universal in anyway, we only had one day at universal due to the traveling distance so we upgraded to the one free fastpass entrance to every ride, this is a must to get everything done in a day which we done comfortably, amazing park, amazing atmosphere, Harry Potter world is a magical place, and the tram tour takes you around the real Universal film production areas and sets from past movies like psycho, war of the worlds etc. Highly recommended.

3. Griffith Observatory

2800 E. Observatory Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90027-1299 +1 213-473-0800 http://www.GriffithObservatory.org
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 20,276 reviews

Griffith Observatory

A public observatory owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles for the benefit of all. Located in on Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the Observatory offers a planetarium, exhibits, public telescopes, cafe, bookstore, and the best views of the Los Angeles basin. Admission is free, and visitors may drive directly to the Observatory and park in its lots and roads.

Reviewed By Sanaahyd - Houston, United States

Griffith Observatory - Los Angeles Best place to see and fall in love with LA! Go here to witness a breathtakingly beautiful sunset, along with the Hollywood sign & the fantastic skyline of LA! Please note the traffic is a mess up there, so take a shuttle/Uber. You wont get strong phone signals up at the observatory so plan your itinerary beforehand! There are shuttles that take you back to the city, so hop on when youre done! DONT MISS THIS IF YOURE VISITING LA - PLEASE! Definitely a 10/10 for me!⭐️

4. Petersen Automotive Museum

6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036-3605 +1 323-930-2277 [email protected] http://www.petersen.org/
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,341 reviews

Petersen Automotive Museum

Rated the #1 Automotive museum in the world, the Petersen Automotive Museum is dedicated to the exploration and presentation of the automobile and its impact on Global life and culture. The museum features 25 galleries with more than 350 vehicles on display between the main floors and exclusive Vault. Visitors can immerse themselves in the 1000's of stories on display in the museum.

Reviewed By 477kenr

Each time I visit the Peterson Automotive Museum there are different cars on display, along with some of the famous ones like Batmobiles and Professor Fate's car (from the movie, "The Great Race". A truly special place for adults and kids of all ages.

5. Griffith Park

4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027-1401 +1 323-913-4688 http://www.laparks.org/dos/parks/griffithpk/
Excellent
64%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,172 reviews

Griffith Park

Covering more than 4,107 acres of natural terrain, this is the largest municipal park and urban wilderness area in the United States, which offers numerous family attractions and activities.

Reviewed By Jordi-cr7 - London, United Kingdom

What a beautiful place to explore. The place is massive and so much to see. From the Griffith observatory, Old zoo, the LA zoo, Travel Town , etc.. beautiful place during the day, magical views during the night .

6. The Grove

189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036-6222 +1 323-900-8080 [email protected] http://www.thegrovela.com
Excellent
53%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,490 reviews

The Grove

Like a grown-up theme park, The Grove is cheerful, impressive-and stylish. Star sightings are likely amid water features and great eateries. Shop at DvF, Tesla, or a Nordstrom featuring new designers.

Reviewed By carolynz463 - Sydney, Australia

For a nice day out in LA, pop on over to the Grove. It has a variety of lovely stores, some amazing restaurants of all levels, a nice path to walk and plenty of parking. From Cheesecake Factory to my favorite Kitchen store, Sur La Table, a massive Apple store, Crate and Barrel and so much more there's something for everyone to find. It's a typical tourist spot - but also mixed with many locals who are after a contained area that has loads to offer. And right next door - attached actually is the world famous Farmer's Market. Now this is very popular with all the locals and still brings in the tourists. Everyone who visits LA wants to see some of the typical spots and this checks all the boxes. Over the years I have spotted the occasional well know actor which is always fun. I recommend a couple hours here at least, and it's always a great spot to return to for dinner. Particularly lovely on a warm night.

7. Staples Center

1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015-1300 +1 213-742-7340 https://www.staplescenter.com/
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,452 reviews

Staples Center

Reviewed By MG02116 - Boston, United States

Had the distinct pleasure of taking in a Kings hockey game while in LA last weekend. As a first time visitor to the Staples Center, I was impressed. Seating was comfortable, admission was smooth and professionally handled. There were plenty of venues for food and drink. A great time was had by all!

8. Battleship USS Iowa Museum

250 S Harbor Blvd San Pedro, Los Angeles, CA 90731-2830 +1 310-971-4462 [email protected] http://www.pacificbattleship.com
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,975 reviews

Battleship USS Iowa Museum

Battleship USS Iowa served our country proudly in WWII, Korea, and the Cold War. Today, the historic U.S. Navy ship is an iconic Los Angeles landmark and considered one of the region’s best outdoor museums for families and visitors of all ages. Follow in the footsteps of sailors and our mischievous mascot Vicky the Dog and experience first hand why she is known as the “Battleship of Presidents”, “The Grey Ghost”, and “The Big Stick”. Add-on a behind-the-scenes guided tour to explore areas off-limits to the public and hear first hand accounts of service, commitment, and bravery. You and your family will make lasting memories during your visit to the Battleship USS Iowa. You are able to enjoy the museum with both virtual and in-person tour options. The in-person options comply with current health department guidelines for Covid-19.

Reviewed By waynefromcali - Yucaipa, United States

The USS Battleship Iowa Museum,located at one the busiest seaports in the world-The Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro,California, is a terrific museum and battleship to visit and climb aboard! The Battleship USS Iowa Museum is a maritime museum located at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, United States. Family friendly with all current CDC protocols in place, The USS Iowa fights Covid like it fought all the enemies it faced on the 7 seven seas during its commisioned years! USS Iowa (BB-61) was the lead ship of the last class of U.S. Navy battleships to be built by the United States. The battleship was originally commissioned in 1943 and served during World War II, the Korean War, and through the Cold War. Iowa earned 11 battle stars during her career and hosted three U.S. Presidents, ultimately earning the nicknames Battleship of Presidents and Big Stick. Iowa was awarded to the Pacific Battleship Center on September 6, 2011 for display at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California – home to the United States Battle Fleet from 1919 to 1940. Iowa opened in Los Angeles on July 4, 2012 to a crowd of over 1,500 supporters and veterans at Port of Los Angeles Berth 87. The USS Iowa Museum offers daily tours, group programs, education visits, special events, filming, military ceremonies, and is in the process of starting an overnight program. Daily tours include visits to see the largest guns on a U.S. Navy ship,officers ward room, President Roosevelt's cabin, armored bridge, missile decks, enlisted berthing, mess decks, helicopter deck, and other areas. The ship is located at the Los Angeles World Cruise Center and has over 2,100 parking spaces available. Iowa has played various roles in films and television including NCIS: Los Angeles, American Warships, Bermuda Tentacles, and Dark Rising. Iowa is home to annual American-focused events including the City of Los Angeles Veterans Appreciation,a Memorial Day Celebration, and September 11 remembrance. . . . #pacificfleet #atlanticfleet #portoflosangeles #sanpedro #battleshipussiowa #battleshipussiowamuseum #museums #usnavy #navy #historicallandmarks #waynesalvatti #photografxworldwide #losangelesworldcruisecenter #gonavy #seamen #visitsanpedro #visitlosangeles #visitlongbeach #fourthofjuly #covid #cdc #besafe #behealthy #safetovisit #family #nauticalmuseums

9. The Broad

221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012-3020 +1 213-232-6200 [email protected] http://www.thebroad.org
Excellent
71%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,712 reviews

The Broad

The Broad is a new contemporary art museum founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad on Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles. The museum is designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro and offers free general admission. The museum is home to the 2,000 works of art in the Broad collection, which is among the most prominent holdings of postwar and contemporary art worldwide. With its innovative "veil-and-vault" concept, the 120,000-square-foot, $140-million building features two floors of gallery space to showcase The Broad's comprehensive collection and is the headquarters of The Broad Art Foundation's worldwide lending library. -- General admission to The Broad is free. Advance online reservations are available at the museum website and are highly encouraged in this busy period after the museum's opening. For visitors who want to ensure a specific date and time for their visit, and avoid wait times during busy periods, The Broad provides advance reservation of timed tickets online at no charge. Tickets have entry times beginning every half hour. Please note that advance online tickets often book up two to three months in advance. Advance tickets are not required. An onsite ticketing line is available at the museum every day except Mondays, when the museum is closed. Admission for the onsite ticketing line is first come, first served, based on availability. The wait time in the onsite ticketing line is 30 to 45 minutes on an average weekday, and 60 to 90 minutes on an average weekend. On holiday weekends, wait time in the onsite ticketing line can be up to two or three hours. The onsite ticketing line closes 90 minutes before the museum closes.

Reviewed By angyee12

it had a few art pieces of everything the non-connoisseur art-lover could think of. Loved it!!!! Yayoi Kusama, Koons, Hering, etc. besides, the architecture is beyond perfection.

10. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

100 Universal City Plaza Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/harrypotter/
Excellent
75%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,539 reviews

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Reviewed By BrianJ459 - Adelaide, Australia

When you go to Universal Studios make sure you visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this will take you awhile as there is so much to see & do from wonderful rides to shops & amusements also there is a great restaurant in here as well.

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